Being the primary caregiver for an elderly parent can bring untold physical and emotional stress. You can become ill from the combination of mental strain and physical tasks that are never ending. In order to help others, you must first help yourself. Managing the stress can start with the simple but important step of reconciling goals with realistic expectations. To make a good start, take pen to paper, listing all the things that need to be done. Making it a comprehensive list, including even minimal tasks helps to objectify the problem.
The next step is to list all the available resources. Don't forget to consider alternative arrangements as a possible resource, and find out what's available in your area - assisted living facilities, nursing home care, board and care facilities, home health care, hospice, etc. It's important to include all those who can help: relatives, friends, church members, community volunteers, etc. Meal preparation, shopping for personal needs, household repairs, driving for appointments, yard work, filing insurance claims and relief care giving are all items that can possibly be delegated. Enlisting someone else in reading a newspaper or a book to the loved one, or perhaps taking them for a walk is also of great value in relieving the caregiver of a few of their duties.
Find out what others are willing to do to help with the work that must be done. Remember, many of these people may really want to help, but they are not as close to the situation as you are and they may be uncertain how to provide assistance to you. Find out what things they would enjoy doing. Share with them some of the item on the list of things that need to be done, so they will have some ideas of where they might be able to assist.
Now, match up some of those resources to the list of items that need to be done. Try to make matches that take into consideration the person's availability, schedule, preferences and abilities. Don't be hesitant to delegate. In many cases, help with just one task is not enough to provide the needed relief, but the important thing is that it's a start. Sometimes, others may want to do one of the jobs that you actually prefer to do yourself. Save your energy for the bigger picture, and let go of the need to control every aspect of the care.
You are actually doing a more important job by managing the entire process. You are the best person to know the person's needs. Coordinating the jo
Find out what others are willing to do to help with the work that must be done. Remember, many of these people may really want to help, but they are not as close to the situation as you are and they may be uncertain how to provide assistance to you. Find out what things they would enjoy doing. Share with them some of the item on the list of things that need to be done, so they will have some ideas of where they might be able to assist.
Now, match up some of those resources to the list of items that need to be done. Try to make matches that take into consideration the person's availability, schedule, preferences and abilities. Don't be hesitant to delegate. In many cases, help with just one task is not enough to provide the needed relief, but the important thing is that it's a start. Sometimes, others may want to do one of the jobs that you actually prefer to do yourself. Save your energy for the bigger picture, and let go of the need to control every aspect of the care.
You are actually doing a more important job by managing the entire process. You are the best person to know the person's needs. Coordinating the jo
Now, match up some of those resources to the list of items that need to be done. Try to make matches that take into consideration the person's availability, schedule, preferences and abilities. Don't be hesitant to delegate. In many cases, help with just one task is not enough to provide the needed relief, but the important thing is that it's a start. Sometimes, others may want to do one of the jobs that you actually prefer to do yourself. Save your energy for the bigger picture, and let go of the need to control every aspect of the care.
You are actually doing a more important job by managing the entire process. You are the best person to know the person's needs. Coordinating the jobs and managing the process is the most important job of all. Showing your appreciation is also key to their continued involvement. By knowing how valuable their contributions are, they will feel rewarded for their work.
Once some help is in place, take some time for yourself. Joining a support group of caregivers will allow you to share your thoughts with others who will truly understand your situation. It may not be as much time as you would like, perhaps only an hour or two, but make the most of it. You might take a walk in fresh air, get a haircut, visit your doctor or dentist, or simply take a nap. You'll be a better caregiver and feel better about yourself if you can manage the stress effectively.
About the Author:
You are actually doing a more important job by managing the entire process. You are the best person to know the person's needs. Coordinating the jobs and managing the process is the most important job of all. Showing your appreciation is also key to their continued involvement. By knowing how valuable their contributions are, they will feel rewarded for their work.
Once some help is in place, take some time for yourself. Joining a support group of caregivers will allow you to share your thoughts with others who will truly understand your situation. It may not be as much time as you would like, perhaps only an hour or two, but make the most of it. You might take a walk in fresh air, get a haircut, visit your doctor or dentist, or simply take a nap. You'll be a better caregiver and feel better about yourself if you can manage the stress effectively.
About the Author:
Knowing when it's time to consider assisted living is important in allowing you to provide the best possible care for your loved one. There are many beautiful assisted living facilities in Orange County, California that would be pleased to give you a free tour and tell you about the services they can provide.